Inspiration Abounds • Celebrate spring with a circus-themed exhibit inVermont and a renowned American antiques show

written and produced by molly jane quinn

PHO TOS COUR TES Y IN TERNATIONAL POS TER GALLER Y

circus act • Vintage circus posters are gaining popularity in decorating circles — with some antique prints fetching upwards of $2,000. The
International Poster Gallery in Boston offers a wide variety of circus adverts from the early 1900s on, including an offbeat mix of European posters.
Many were commissions created by internationally known designers, such as Polish artist and filmmaker Lech Majewski and Swiss illustrator
Herbert Leupin (above, center). For a little background on the big top, head to Shelburne Museum in Vermont, which kicks off its 2010 season
with “Circus Day in America,” opening May 16. The exhibit features items from the golden age of the American circus tour (which the museum
puts at the roughly 80-year period from 1870 to 1950), including items from The John and Mable Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota, Florida,
and Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The Vermont exhibit is a source of jolly good fun for its fair-day nostalgia; be sure to check out
the companion exhibit of miniature wood-carved circuses. International Poster Gallery, 205 Newbury St., Boston; 617-375-0076,
internationalposter.com. • Shelburne Museum, 5555 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, Vermont; 802-985-3346,
shelburnemuseum.org.

MORE, MORE, MORE! Tony Duquette’s
extravagant design sensibility is experiencing
a renaissance. More Is More: Tony Duquette
($65, Abrams), a nearly 400-page tome,
offers a fascinating glimpse into the private
and public worlds of the famed interiors,
jewelry, and movie-set designer, 10 years
after his death. Interior designer Hutton
Wilkinson now runs the Duquette brand;
Baker furniture carries some of Duquette’s
designs, including this wild abalone
chandelier. Baker, Boston Design Center;
617-439-4876,
kohlerinteriors.com.

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CONNECTICUT SPRING ANTIQUES SHOW

For nearly 40 years, the Connecticut Spring
Antiques Show has offered an unparalleled
selection of early American furniture, art, and
accessories — and a respite from the not-quite-warm-enough March weather. The show
is an excellent source for brass, silver, and
ironware, as well as textiles and Colonial pieces.
With more than 60 dealers, visiting the 2010
show is a must. Connecticut Expo Hartford; for
directions, and to purchase tickets, call 860-908-
0076 or visit
ctspringantiquesshow.com.